Apparently, there’s a new trend called “hush trips” these days.
But what is a hush trip exactly, and should you go on one?
Let’s delve deeper into this phenomenon.
What is a “Hush Trip” And Why Is It Trending?
In a nutshell, a “hush trip” is when a remote worker does not disclose their vacation whereabouts to their employers.
While it’s no secret that one of the benefits of remote work is being able to work from virtually anywhere, taking a hush trip can be potentially problematic.
What Does HR Think About Hush Trips?
On the management side, hush trips—especially ones that might take more than a few days or weeks—often have significant ramifications.
For instance, if you stay there long enough, there could be tax complications and other government matters. And when you are secretly working remotely while traveling to another country, your employer might be blindsided by the various laws they might have to comply with.
Apart from that, some employers view hush trips with a certain element of mistrust. After all, why do you need to hide your trip from your employer?
Once your bosses find out that you’ve been essentially slacking off behind their backs, you could lose their trust.
However, on the flip side, taking a hush trip might signal some deeper issues within the workplace. For example, remote workers might no longer feel the need to ask permission due to company red tape.
Thus, they save time when they push through with their secret trips without notifying their bosses and colleagues.
Why Do Employees Take Hush Trips?
There are a few reasons why a remote employee might go somewhere without telling their bosses or clients.
One, it could be that they want to test the waters of a digital nomad’s lifestyle.
After all, there are a lot of things to consider before becoming a full-fledged digital nomad.
Two, some companies often have a limited amount of vacation leaves in a year. And sometimes, those are simply not enough.
Taking a hush trip is one way to circumvent this work policy.
Safety Guidelines
So, how can you carefully maneuver yourself in such a situation?
Remember to Be Transparent
Having a change of scenery is good once in a while. This is especially true for remote workers who spend most of their work hours inside their homes.
Still, don’t forget to let your employers know where you’re going as a courtesy. You don’t have to fully disclose your reasons for taking the trip, especially if they are personal. But at the very least, inform them that you temporarily be working outside of your usual location.
Make Sure You Have Your Essentials Packed
As a remote worker, you need to ensure that you have the proper remote work setup wherever you go: the right equipment and a stable Internet connection.
Don’t compromise your deliverables just because you are working remotely from another location.
Don’t Brag About It on Social Media
Of course, with the advent of social media platforms, most—if not all—would want to document and post everything on their profiles.
However, if you are on a “hush trip,” it’s best not to post anything about it – especially if your bosses and clients can see your content.
Time Off is Important
Ultimately, whether you go on a hush trip or not, taking time off is important.
It’s a way for you to disconnect, unwind, and reset before taking on the challenge of working remotely again.
On that note, if you want to experience the flexibility of this arrangement, check out Remote Staff’s job listings. They’re constantly updated so you are sure to find a remote job that fits your work experience and qualifications.
Remote Staff has also been in the industry for 15 years and advocates for a healthy remote work-life balance. If this sounds like something you want for yourself, register with us today!
